City’s Sindhis & Telugus usher in New Year | Nagpur News

Nagpur: Sindhi and Telugu communities also ushered in their New Year with Chetichand and Ugadi on Thursday, adding to the festive spirit across neighbourhoods.For Sindhi community, Chetichand holds deep religious significance as it marks the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Jhulelal, their Ishta Dev. Since it coincides with Gudi Padwa, celebrations have taken on added importance. “Gudi Padwa itself is an auspicious day, and with Bhagwan Jhulelal Jayanti falling on the same day, it becomes even more special for us,” said Dr Vinky Rughwani.Celebrations began with Beherana Sahib puja, considered highly auspicious, followed by community gatherings. The Bhagwan Jhulelal temple, uniquely located by a water body in keeping with the deity’s association with water, has become a focal point for devotees in Mahal near Gadhisagar lake. Festivities at Jhulelal Park are scheduled over multiple days at Jaripatka, including cultural programmes and community events. “For us, it’s not just one day — it’s a two-to-three-day celebration where the entire community comes together,” Rughwani added. Schools run by the community also observe the occasion with holidays or half-days.Meanwhile, the Telugu community marked Ugadi with traditional customs at home. Special dishes were prepared, and households observed rituals symbolising prosperity and renewal. “We celebrate Ugadi in a similar traditional pattern at home, preparing festive food and following rituals passed down through generations,” said Vijay Nayudu.“In Mohan Nagar, where many Telugu families reside, Ugadi is observed with enthusiasm. Similarly, in Wadi, people from Kerala also mark their festivals,” he said.The convergence of these festivals has turned the day into a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, with different communities observing their New Year traditions while sharing the common spirit of renewal and festivity.